The Biographies of Rechungpa

This book traces the lifestory of Rechungpa (1084-1161) - the student of the famous teacher Milarepa - using rare and little-known manuscripts and discovers how the image of both Milarepa and Rechungpa underwent fundamental transformations over a period of over three centuries. Peter Alan Roberts compares significant episodes in the life of Rechungpa as portrayed in a succession of texts and thus demonstrates the evolution of Rechungpaâs biography. This is the first survey of the surviving literature which includes a detailed analysis of their dates authorship and interrelationships. It shows how Rechungpa was increasingly portrayed as a rebellious volatile and difficult pupil as a lineage from a fellow-pupil prospered to become dominant in Tibet. Written in a style that makes it accessible to broad readership Roberts' book will be of great value to anyone with an interest in the fields of Tibetan literature history or religion. . Language: English